uniformitarianism

American  

[yoo-nuh-fawrm-i-tair-ee-uhn-iz-uhm] / ˌju nəˌfɔrm ɪˈtɛər i ənˌɪz əm /

noun

1. the theory that geological or biological changes on earth have been caused by gradual, ongoing processes or local events, rather than by large-scale or global catastrophicevents such as a worldwide flood. Contrasts with catastrophism.

---

uniformitarianism British  

/ ˌjuːnɪˌfɔːmɪˈtɛərɪəˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. the concept that the earth's surface was shaped in the past by gradual processes, such as erosion, and by small sudden changes, such as earthquakes, of the type acting today rather than by the sudden divine acts, such as the flood survived by Noah (Genesis 6–8), demanded by the doctrine of catastrophism

---

uniformitarianism Scientific  

/ yo̅o̅′nə-fôr′mĭ-târ′ē-ə-nĭz′əm /

1. The theory that all geologic phenomena may be explained as the result of existing forces having operated uniformly from the origin of the Earth to the present time.

2. See Note at Lyell

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

uniformitarianism

In the 1920s, mainstream geologists rigidly believed in uniformitarianism — the idea that geological features could only form over thousands or millions of years.

From Seattle Times ● Jan. 2, 2024

Lyell advocated a principle called uniformitarianism, the consistency of mechanisms of change over time.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022

The proponents of uniformitarianism and catastrophism were at odds with each other for much of the past two centuries, with convincing arguments being made by both sides.

From Scientific American ● Aug. 9, 2019

The proposals also go against the grain of one of geology's founding principles: uniformitarianism, which states that planets are shaped by gradual, ongoing processes.

From Nature ● Jan. 30, 2013

The context shows that "uniformitarianism" here means that doctrine, as limited in application by Hutton and Lyell, and that what I mean by "evolutionism" is consistent and thoroughgoing uniformitarianism.

From Essays Upon Some Controverted Questions by Thomas H. Huxley